Long service leave is a crucial benefit that rewards employees for their loyalty and dedication. Specifically for teachers, the provisions of long service leave are governed by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. This article aims to clarify the regulations surrounding long service leave for teachers.
Entitlements and Accrual of Long Service Leave
Under clause (21)(a), teachers are entitled to long service leave in accordance with the provisions of section 2.4.25 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic). Long service leave accrues at a rate of 495.6967 hours (three months) after ten years of full-time service, and at a rate of 247.84835 hours (one and a half months) for every completed five years of service thereafter.
Accessing Long Service Leave
Clause (21)(b) allows teachers to access their long service leave entitlements on a pro-rata basis after seven years of service. They are also eligible for pay in lieu of the pro-rata entitlement upon termination of employment.
Taking Long Service Leave at Half Pay
Under clause (21)(c), teachers have the option to utilize some or all of their long service leave entitlement at half pay.
Converting Long Service Leave to Salary
As per clause (21)(d), teachers can apply to convert a portion of their long service leave credits into salary. However, unless there are special circumstances like financial hardship, this option is only available in conjunction with a long service leave absence of 228 hours (six weeks) or more.
Allowances during Long Service Leave
Clause (21)(e) states that allowances, which meet specific criteria, are payable during long service leave. These criteria include the allowance being of a continuing and ongoing nature and the teacher having received the allowance for a continuous period of 12 months immediately prior to the commencement of the leave.
Duration of Long Service Leave Absences
According to clause (21)(f), long service leave absences can be taken for any period up to the total long service leave credits available to the teacher.
FAQs
1. When can a teacher avail of long service leave?
A teacher can avail long service leave after ten years of full-time service, accruing at a rate of three months per ten years, and one and a half months for every five years of service thereafter.
2. Can a teacher access long service leave before completing ten years of service?
Yes, a teacher can access their long service leave on a pro-rata basis after seven years of service.
3. Can a teacher opt for half pay during long service leave?
Yes, a teacher has the option to utilize some or all of their long service leave at half pay.
4. What allowances are payable during long service leave?
Allowances of a continuing and ongoing nature, which the teacher has been receiving for a continuous period of 12 months prior to the leave, are payable during long service leave.
5. What is the maximum duration for long service leave?
Long service leave can be taken for any period up to the total long service leave credits available to the teacher.
Final Thoughts
Long service leave provides teachers with a valuable opportunity to rest and rejuvenate after years of dedicated service. Understanding these provisions can help teachers plan effectively and make the most of this benefit.
